At this past Conference in Portland, Affirmation passed a bylaws revision which created the Affirmation Endowment Fund. The governing board of the Endowment fund is currently being appointed for terms beginning in 1999. The Endowment fund is a fund designed to promote educational opportunities on behalf of the Gay Mormon Community (scholarships, research grants, etc.) IT IS AN "INTEREST ONLY" FUND which means that all money raised will create the base, never to be spent, only the interest raised (prudently invested, of course).

Note that the Endowment money will not be used for the general funding of Affirmation—this will continue to be done through dues collection, etc.

We are committed to creating a substantial ongoing resource and indeed, without even an official kick-off, donations have started arriving. We look to have our first grants in the year 2000 (what a wonderful way to begin a new millenium).

Scott McKay, our National Director, has invited all of us to consider making the Affirmation Endowment a regular part of our personal philanthropy. Indeed, it will be a gift which will keep on giving!

To arrange to contribute to the Endowment (credit cards welcome), contact Affirmation's Treasurer, Alan Blodgett at alanb1107@aol.com.